Redskins Super Bowl odds: Fair or foul?

Breaking Burgundy

02/08/2016

The Redskins are coming off an NFC East title, but that doesn't mean they're closer to winning the Super Bowl in the estimation of oddsmakers.

Just as we crown one Super Bowl champion, we begin the process of looking for the next one. Oddsmaker Bovada released upcoming Super Bowl odds Monday. Not surprisingly, the Super Bowl finalist Carolina Panthers sits atop the list, tied with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at 9-1. With questions at quarterback, the reigning Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos are a few slots lower at 16-1.

As far as the Washington Redskins go, despite coming off an NFC East title, nobody figured they'd be picked among the favorites.

They're not. But at 50-1, only four teams are below them.

None of those four teams are in the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys (16-1), New York Giants (33-1), Philadelphia Eagles (33-1) are all ahead of the Redskins after all finished below Washington in 2015. As a reminder, the Giants and Eagles changed coaches this offseason, and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is coming off an injury-filled season.

Of the six teams at 50-1, the Redskins are the only one who made the playoffs this past season. QB Kirk Cousins made great strides late in the season and the roster improved under general manager Scot McCloughan.

On the other hand, by virtue of the NFC East title win, Washington will face a first place schedule next season after a last place version in 2015. That's a test indeed. There's also uncertainty at key positions especially with several notables like Terrance Knighton, Alfred Morris, Jason Hatcher, Dashon Goldson and DeSean Jackson possibly done wearing the Burgundy and Gold.